Behnke Gallery Preparator & Coordinator

Seattle University; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Tuition benefits for employee and/or +

Retirement contributions

Transportation benefit

Onsite fitness facility

Job summary

Seattle University invites applications for a Behnke Family Gallery Preparator Coordinator. This 9-month, 20-hour weekly staff role supports installation and deinstallation of exhibitions and ensures the safety of works on view at the Behnke Family Gallery.

The position also assists with gallery operations, text preparation, and events. A college degree and experience with object handling and installation are required, plus strong teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• College graduate or equivalent.
• 1+ years of experience in object handling and exhibition installation.
• Experience in galleries, museums, or related fields is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Oversee installation and deinstallation of exhibitions.
• Maintain gallery spaces and ensure safety of artworks.
• Fabrication of frames, crates, plinths, and display components.
• Collaborate with curators, director, and staff on schedules and events.
• Provide information and assistance to visitors during exhibitions.

Skills

Art handling

Rigging

Adobe Creative Suite

Teamwork

Communication

Diversity sensitivity

Problem solving

Public speaking

Education

College degree or equivalent

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

SketchUp

Job description

Months Per Year: 9 and scheduled 20 hours per week. Work Model: Onsite Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

• Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
• Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
• Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
• Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
• Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

The Behnke Family Gallery Preparator Coordinator position is a 9-month 20-hour weekly member of Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University staff. The position has as its primary responsibility as Preparator to oversee the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions as a whole and to ensure safety and security of works of art on view in the Behnke Family Gallery. The position has as its secondary responsibility as Coordinator to support the Behnke Gallery Curator with individual exhibition and artist needs, gallery operations, and special events. A Gallery Preparator Coordinator’s schedule must support the Gallery Curator’s seasonal exhibition schedule with appropriate weekly flexibility to support exhibition timelines and special event deadlines, and staff meetings. This position may also be occasionally assigned to cover regular public hours when a Gallery Attendant is out for PTO or sick leave.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Preparator (60%)

• Art Handling: Handling, moving, and storing artworks on loan in each exhibition, following best practices to ensure their safety and preservation.
• Exhibition Installation: Packing and unpacking crates and storing them for future use—installing and de-installing exhibitions, including artwork layout, construction of exhibition furniture, and lighting.
• Maintenance: Maintaining the appearance of galleries and exhibition spaces, including cleaning and minor repairs.
• Fabrication: Build frames, crates, plinths, mounts, temporary walls, and other items as needed. Provides drafts, models, and estimates of labor and material costs.
• Collaboration: Working closely with Exhibiting Artists, the Behnke Family Gallery Curator, Gallery Director, Facilities and Gallery Staff, and other Cornish Faculty, Students, and Staff to develop install/deinstall schedules and ensure the successful presentation of exhibitions.
• Travel to transport artwork.
• Repair and paint gallery walls.
• Ensures a safe working environment.

Coordinator (40%)

• Prepare, edit, format and install exhibition related text documents including labels, vinyl, statements and exhibition binder materials.
• Work with website team and exhibition photographer to archive and produce content.
• Work with Curator to prepare, edit and disseminate exhibition announcements and press releases.
• Interact with visitors to provide information and context for exhibitions and exhibited works, and general assistance.
• Protects works of art from theft, vandalism, and accidental damage.
• Remain knowledgeable about gallery exhibitions, public programs and events and any scheduled gallery activities.
• Attends and or participates in any mandatory meetings/trainings.
• Work at special events, performances, opening receptions, public programs, and other programs as assigned.
• Respond quickly and calmly to emergencies and assist others in the event of an emergency.
• Ensure cleanliness and participate in organization of work areas.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Practical Application: Experience in carpentry, woodworking, construction, mount making, and display methods.
• Proficiency and experience in rigging. Experience operating and maintaining forklifts, pallet jacks, art dollies, and lifting straps.
• Proficiency and experience in Adobe Creative Suite and other 3D modeling software/tool, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and SketchUp.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with staff, faculty, curators, students, and members of the public.
• Ability to exercise composure and diplomacy; demonstrate creative problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrates an understanding of protocol and sensitivity to cultural diversity needs.
• Acts as a team player who works well with others and shows courtesy and respect to colleagues.
• Has exceptional verbal and communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience

• College graduate or equivalent.
• One or more years of experience in object handling and exhibition installation, preferably in museums or galleries, studio arts, cabinetmaking, metal work, art installation, or any combination of the above.
• Problem-solving abilities are essential.

Public Gallery Hours

Wednesday - Saturdays, 12 –5PM

Preparator Coordinator Hours

Regular flexible hours according to exhibition schedule deadlines and Curator schedule.

Work Weeks

9 months, 20 hours weekly – Hours follow the Behnke exhibition calendar and holiday/breaks.

Reports To

Director of Galleries and Studios

Compensation at a Glance

$28.00 per hour - $32.00 per hour

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

• Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person.
• Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs.
• Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage.
• Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%.
• You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events.
• Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave.
• For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3–6 months.

Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus.

All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university’s discretion.

With a career at Seattle University, you’re joining a community of passionate people dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders and thinkers.

Founded in 1891, Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university located on a beautiful campus of more than 50 acres in the dynamic heart of Seattle.

Our diverse and driven population is made up of more than 7,200 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within six schools and colleges.

Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.

In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals who will further enrich the diversity of our educational community.

Our Mission - Seattle University is dedicated to educating the whole person, to professional formation, and to empowering leaders for a just and humane world.

Our Vision - We will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels.

Our Values Care – We put the good of students first. Academic Excellence – We value excellence in learning with great teachers who are active scholars. Diversity – We celebrate educational excellence achieved through diversity. Faith – We treasure our Jesuit Catholic ethos and the enrichment from many faiths of our university community. Justice – We foster a concern for justice and the competence to promote it. Leadership – We seek to develop responsible leaders committed to the common good.